Planning your South American adventure from Europe? Let’s cut through the confusion and get you sorted with everything you need to know about visas, entry requirements, and those pesky border formalities.
The Bottom Line Up Front
Here’s the good news: if you’re holding an EU passport, you’ve hit the travel jackpot. Most South American countries will welcome you with open arms and minimal paperwork. However, there are some important exceptions and details that could save you from a nightmare at immigration.
Country-by-Country Breakdown: What You Actually Need
The Easy Ones (No Visa Required)
Most EU passport holders can waltz into these countries without advance visa applications:
Argentina – Stay up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport valid for at least 6 months. The immigration officers are pretty chill, but keep your arrival card safe—you’ll need it when you leave.
Brazil – EU citizens get 90 days visa-free. Brazil recently simplified things for European travellers, making it easier than ever. Pro tip: they sometimes ask for proof of onward travel, so have that return ticket handy.
Chile – Another 90-day free pass for EU folks. Chile’s immigration process is straightforward, though they might charge a “reciprocity fee” at the airport depending on your specific nationality (this has been waived for most EU countries, but double-check for yours).
Colombia – 90 days of visa-free exploration. Colombia has become incredibly traveller-friendly in recent years. Just make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Ecuador – Up to 90 days without a visa. The Galápagos have additional entry requirements (and fees), but mainland Ecuador is easy-breezy.
Peru – 183 days (yes, six months!) of visa-free travel for EU citizens. Peru is super generous with European visitors. They might ask about your accommodation plans, so have your first night booked.
Uruguay – 90 days visa-free. Small country, big welcome. Uruguay’s border crossing is typically one of the smoothest in the region.
Paraguay – 90 days for most EU nationals. Often overlooked but increasingly accessible.
Guyana – Most EU citizens can stay 90 days visa-free, though this is worth confirming based on your specific nationality.
Suriname – Tourist card available on arrival for most EU citizens, typically valid for 90 days.
The Trickier Ones
Bolivia – Here’s where it gets interesting. Most EU citizens can get a visa on arrival, but it’s not exactly “visa-free.” You’ll need:
- Passport valid for 6 months
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of onward travel
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (seriously, don’t skip this)
- Around $30-$160 USD depending on your nationality
- A passport photo or two
The visa on arrival costs vary wildly by nationality, so check Bolivia’s official consulate website for your specific country.
Venezuela – This one’s complicated due to the current political situation. Tourist visas are technically required and must be obtained in advance from a Venezuelan consulate. However, travel to Venezuela is generally not recommended for tourists at this time due to safety concerns and infrastructure issues.
French Guiana – Technically part of France and the EU, so if you’re an EU citizen, you’re already home! No visa needed, euros accepted.
The Golden Rules Everyone Forgets
Passport Validity
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from South America. Some countries won’t let you board the plane without this. It’s not negotiable, and arguing with check-in staff at 5am is nobody’s idea of fun.
Proof of Onward Travel
This is the sneaky requirement that catches people out. Many South American countries require proof you’re planning to leave—usually a return ticket or onward journey confirmation. Airlines are particularly strict about this because they can be fined if they transport someone who gets denied entry.
Budget travellers who plan to “figure it out as they go” might need to book a refundable ticket or use a legitimate ticket reservation service as proof.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
If you’re visiting certain regions (particularly the Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, or northern Argentina), you’ll need proof of yellow fever vaccination. Get this done at least 10 days before travel, and keep that yellow WHO certificate with your passport. Some countries won’t let you enter affected regions without it.
Travel Insurance
While not always legally required, comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential. South American healthcare varies dramatically by country, and medical evacuation costs can be astronomical. Don’t be that person crowdfunding their emergency surgery from a Lima hospital bed.
Top Tips for Smooth Border Crossings
Print Everything – Yes, even in 2025, immigration officers often prefer paper. Print your accommodation confirmations, return tickets, and important documents. Phone batteries die at the worst moments.
Carry Cash (USD) – Some visa fees and border charges only accept US dollars. Having crisp bills makes everything easier. Crumpled or damaged notes are sometimes rejected.
Learn Basic Spanish (or Portuguese) – “Hola,” “gracias,” and “no entiendo” will get you surprisingly far. A friendly attitude and basic language effort smooth over many awkward moments.
Join the Right Queue – Look for signs saying “Extranjeros” (foreigners) or “Turistas” rather than “Nacionales” (nationals). This saves time and confused looks.
Keep Your Cool – Border bureaucracy can be frustrating, but getting annoyed never helps. Patience and politeness are your best friends when dealing with officials.
Extending Your Stay
Most countries allow visa extensions through their immigration offices, but the process varies widely:
- Argentina: Can extend 90 days, involves forms and fees
- Brazil: Extension is possible but bureaucratic; many people do “visa runs” to neighbouring countries instead
- Chile: Extensions available through PDI (Policía de Investigaciones)
- Peru: Extensions are straightforward through Migraciones offices
The visa run strategy (leaving and re-entering) works in some countries but not all. Rules are tightening, and immigration officials are wise to people doing border hops. Always check current regulations.
The Schengen Connection
Remember that while you’re wandering South America, the Schengen Area’s 90/180-day rule still applies to you as an EU citizen. If you’re a non-EU resident with a Schengen visa, make sure your adventures abroad don’t mess up your European residency requirements.
Special Situations
Digital Nomads and Remote Workers – Standard tourist visas typically don’t permit you to work, even remotely. Some countries are introducing digital nomad visas (Brazil and Colombia have programs), so check if you need special authorization.
Students and Long-term Stays – Planning to study or stay longer than 90 days? You’ll need to apply for specific visas before you travel. Student visas, work visas, and residency permits require advance applications through consulates.
Multiple-Entry Considerations – If you’re hopping between countries, keep track of your entry and exit stamps. Some countries count total days within a year, not per visit.
Real Talk: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Rules Are the Same Everywhere – Each country has its own quirks. What worked in Argentina might not fly in Bolivia.
Overstaying – Overstaying your visa-free period can result in fines, bans, and seriously stressful deportation processes. Set phone reminders for your expiry dates.
Losing Your Arrival Card – Some countries give you a small paper slip when you enter. Lose it, and you might face fines or complications when leaving. Tuck it in your passport immediately.
Not Checking Updates – Visa regulations change. What was true six months ago might not be true now. Always verify requirements a few weeks before your trip on official government websites.
Ignoring Regional Requirements – The Galápagos, Easter Island, and certain Amazon regions have additional entry fees or requirements beyond national visas.
Resources That Actually Help
- IATA Travel Centre (iatatravelcentre.com) – What airlines use to verify your documents
- Your country’s foreign affairs website – Usually has South America travel sections with visa info
- Embassies and consulates – For the most official and up-to-date information
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites of your destination countries
Avoid relying solely on travel blogs (yes, including this one!) for final decisions. Always cross-reference with official sources.
The Bottom Line
Travelling from the EU to South America is refreshingly straightforward for most countries. Your European passport is a powerful tool that opens doors across the continent. The main things standing between you and an amazing adventure are:
- A valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Proof of onward travel
- Yellow fever vaccination for certain regions
- Basic preparation and awareness
South America is calling, and honestly, the paperwork is the easy part. The hard part is deciding between Argentina’s wine country, Peru’s ancient ruins, Colombia’s coffee region, or Brazil’s beaches.
Pack smart, respect local regulations, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Disclaimer
This article provides general guidance on visa requirements for EU citizens travelling to South America based on information available as of September 2025. Visa regulations, entry requirements, and border policies can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official government sources, embassies, or consulates of your destination country before booking travel. Individual circumstances may affect visa requirements, including your specific nationality, purpose of travel, and intended length of stay. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any issues arising from outdated information or individual variations in visa processing. Travel insurance and comprehensive research are strongly recommended for all international travel.
